From the Summer Place Theatre Archives ...

Jesus Christ Superstar

Naperville Central High School Auditorium, June 17-26, Fridays & Saturdays at 7:30pm, Sundays at 3:00pm

Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice collaborate on this 1970 rock opera portraying the final days of Jesus Christ, from his arrival in Jerusalem to his Last Supper and crucifixion.

The musical began as a concept album and eventually blossomed into a movie starring Ted Neeley and Carl Anderson as Jesus and Judas. Both actors had understudied their respective parts in the original 1971 Broadway production, and afterwards the show experienced several revivals all over the world, even being translated into Spanish under the title Jesucristo Super Estrella.

The story follows Judas, Jesus, and Mary Magdalene as the apostles prepare for Jesus’s entrance into Jerusalem. Judas is concerned that Jesus’s reputation as “King of the Jews” will get them all into trouble. This concern is echoed by the Jewish high priest Caiaphus, who fears Roman retaliation if the Jews revolt and follow Jesus. The controversial storytelling attempts to get into the heads of the famous Bible characters at this pivotal moment in Christian history, while also commenting on current politics, including anachronisms that place the story simultaneously in ancient Isreal and the present day.

The music is a melange of beautiful orchestral scoring and wailing rock tunes that require excellence and stamina from the actors on stage, as Superstar’s status as an opera means that there is no spoken dialogue. Memorable musical numbers from the show include “I Don't Know How to Love Him,” “Superstar,” and “Gethsemane.”

Our Cast:

Eric Downs (Jesus) of Oswego may be able to attribute his charisma to good genes: he is sixth cousins with President Barack Obama. Eric enjoys spending time with his partner and kids, eating, listening to 90s music, and binge-watching Netflix shows. He thinks he may still be able to fit his entire body through a tennis racket. Eric is honored to join Summer Place for this production of JCS. He earned a B.A. in Vocal Performance and Music Education and currently works in retail purchasing. Past theater credits include Godspell, Amahl and the Night Visitors, Joseph and the Amazing..., Seussical, Thoroughly Modern Millie, and many other musicals and straight plays. Much love to Eliseo and the kids and thanks to Ali.

Aaron Mitchell Reese (Judas) is an actor and director from Chicago who enjoys cooking, composing, drawing, and playing Phase 10. His name is a tribute to his mother, LaShaun Reese, and his grandfather, Mitchell P. Knox. Aaron is a Joseph Jefferson Nominated Actor for Griffin Theatre's 2015 production of Balm in Gilead, directed by Jonathan Berry, and the nephew of Chadwick Boseman, who you may have seen in the recent box office smash Captain America 3: Civil War as T'Challa, or Black Panther. Reese is a graduate of Columbia College Chicago, with a BA in Acting and Directing. He is Co-founder and Artistic Director of Pulse Theatre Company Chicago. Recent Directing Credits include: Fabulation, or The Re-Education of Undine by Lynn Nottage, A Streetcar Named Desire by Tennessee Williams, and The Last Days of Judas Iscariot by Stephen Adly Guirgis. Acting Credits include: Balm in Gilead (Griffin Theatre), In The Heights (Benny/SLATE), Ragtime (Coalhouse/Drama Group), Songs For A New World (Man 1/Making Rain Pro.), Once on This Island (Papa Ge/B'way in Naperville), RUN CHRIS RUN (Chris/Stone Soup), and RENT (Benny/CCC). "Much love to my family for their undying support!"

Laura Curran (Mary Magdalene) is originally from Lake Zurich. When not on stage, she enjoys shopping, knitting, and decorating our new home. In preschool, Laura refused to wear any other color of sock except for purple. One of Laura's goals is to audition for Survivor. Laura currently resides in Batavia, IL with her husband Charlie and two cats (Winston and Chester). Some of her past favorite productions include playing Lady Larkin in Once Upon a Mattress, Martha in a Christmas Carol, Sister Mary Amnesia (u/s) in Nunsense, Fosca (u/s) in Passion, and Belle in Beauty and the Beast. She is also a proud graduate of Illinois Wesleyan University with a B.F.A in Music Theatre. Laura works at Sentinel Technologies selling staffing solutions, so if anyone has a technical staffing need, please feel free to see Laura after the show! Thanks to Charlie, her parents, and sisters for always being supportive of her theatrical endeavors.

Tina Boffa (Mary U/S, Follower) is extremely excited to be playing Mary Magdalene (U/S) and a follower in Jesus Christ Superstar. She is seventeen and goes to Neuqua Valley High School in Naperville. She just finished participating in her school production of Thoroughly Modern Millie as a tap dancer. Outside of theatre she is part of Chamber Singers, and Varsity choir at her school. She hopes to do more productions with Summer Place in the future!

John McNally (Pontius Pilate) grew up in Itasca and currently lives in Rochelle. He loves spending time spoiling his partner’s English Springer Spaniel, Mr. Alex Jones, and is always looking for ways to top each season’s holiday display at home (aka JoMc Hacienda). He is left-handed, and consequently he usually flips choreography in his head when first learning dance steps, which he considers to be both a blessing and a curse. This is his third time am performing in Jesus Christ Superstar. John is elated to be reprising one of his all-time favorite roles of Pontius Pilate as he makes his debut with Summer Place Theatre. Previous stage credits include The Wizard of Oz (Scarecrow/Tin Man), Annie (Rooster Hannigan), Joseph (Joseph), The Fantasticks (The Mute), The Rocky Horror Show (Dr. Frank-n-Ferter/Brad Majors), Seussical (The Cat in the Hat), Noises Off (Frederick Fellows) and Mary Poppins (George Banks). Special thanks Mr. Jones and his friends/family; especially his parents Ann and Jack who are celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary in June: "Thank you both for showing the world what true love is all about."

Francis Moses Valach (Caiaphas) is pleased to make his return to Summer Place as Caiaphas. This production marks the sixth appearance, both professional and amateur, in a production of Jesus Christ Superstar. He has played numerous roles which include Jesus, Herod, Annas, and Pilate, as well as the Ensemble. Other musical credits include Cervantes in Man of La Mancha, King Arthur in Camelot, Claude in Hair, The Plant Voice in Little Shop of Horrors, Zack in A Chorus Line, Herold Hill in Music Man, and The Pirate King in Gilbert and Sullivan’s Pirates of Penzance. Francis was bitten by the theatre bug in 1978. He was offered three full college scholarships and since then has appeared in many, many productions professional and non professional, musical and non musical. He has also proven himself as a director as well as a stage combat choreographer. By day he manages a manufacturing plant. He also has a love of animals which includes rescuing feral cats, spaying and neutering them at his own expense, then finding homes for them.

Marty Kaspar (Annas) is thrilled to be in such a modern classic musical as JCS! His role as Annas is his first time with the Summer Place Theatre, and hopefully not his last. Marty had many roles in plays, musicals, and variety shows while being active in band and choir. As a music director for 9 years, he had the opportunity to direct a number of musicals in Lexington, Il and Coal City, Il. For the past 15 years he has been active in the Joliet Drama Guild, appearing and/or directing numerous plays and musicals, and serving on the Board of Directors (currently serving as President). His favorite roles have included John Adams in 1776, Skye Masterson in Guys and Dolls, and the King in The King and I. In real life, Marty is the computer teacher at Arbor Park Middle School in Oak Forest. He would like to thank his wife and family for their continued support.

Kevin Gum (Peter) is from Tallula, IL, but currently lives in Naperville. He enjoys running, working out, kayaking, and doing anything outside when the weather is nice; in fact, he has completed 11 marathons, qualifying for the Boston Marathon in 7 of them, and ran Boston in 2000 and 2008. He also showed the Reserve Grand Champion and 4-H Grand Champion Gilt (that's a female pig) at the Menard County Fair as a kid, but afterwards chose to retire from his pig-showing career ("After all," he says, "why wouldn't I go out on top?"). Kevin is a Math Teacher at Wheaton Warrenville South High School. He first appeared on the Summer Place stage back in 2008 as a Protean in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum and as Diesel in West Side Story. Other favorite suburban roles include Leaf Coneybear in the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee; Tiny Tom in Urinetown, the Musical; Lancelot in Spamalot; and Finch in How to Succeed. Kevin thanks Amanda, Emma, and the entire production team for this opportunity, and his family and friends for their unending love and support.

Will Lipchik (Simon) is 15 years old and has been in musical theatre since he was in 7th grade. He's performed in shows from Guys and Dolls to A Chorus Line. In his free time, he loves collecting records and listening to great music with friends. Will aspires to be on the radio sometime in his future, thanks to his high school radio station. Will would like to thank his family and friends who support him through his journey of musical theatre.

Dan Colbert (King Herod/Follower) lives in Aurora with his wife, Heather, and his kids, Elena and Max. Outside of theatre, Dan participates in High School Ministry and his Church worship team. He enjoys coffee roasting, woodworking, classic VW Beetles, and anything computer related. Dan is excited to be performing in his sixth Summer Place production. His latest role was Dennis Galahad in last year's production of Spamalot! As is always the case, he would never be able to do this without the support of his wife and kids. Thanks for letting him play!

Hannah Anderson (Soul Girl/Citizen) is from West Dundee, but she assures us the drive was "100% worth it." Though hard to believe there's life outside of theater, she spends her remaining free time recording music, playing piano, and singing in every possible moment. Even at work. Especially at work. She works at Barrington's Classical Consortium as a Latin teacher and worship leader, and also is employed at Chipotle and her local library. Couldn't ask for better jobs. Having spent three years in Spotlight Youth Theater, this is her first Summer Place show. Favorite shows include Into the Woods (Baker's wife) and You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown. She'd like to thank all her fellow cookies, friends, and family for their ongoing support. Jesus Christ Superstar was the first musical she truly got into, at age 13. It's a dream come true to be performing in it. Christ is all. Soli Deo Gloria.

Eunice Ayodele (Superstar Dancer/Citizen) is so excited to be performing in Jesus Christ Superstar. Eunice is a Vocal Performance Major at Aurora University. She has performed locally in places like Naperville, Aurora and Chicago in roles such as Matron "Mama" Morton, Motormouth Mabel, Dolly, and the Witch from Into the Woods. In addition to musicals she also participates in the opera scenes program at Aurora University where she has performed roles such as the Countess from the Marriage of Figaro, Madame Herz from the Impresario, and as Miss Todd from Old Maid and the Thief.

Sara Blankestyn (Follower) of Woodridge enjoys reading, doing creative things like paint nights, glassblowing and jewelry making, and going on adventures with her boyfriend, Jeremy. She can memorize just about anything, as long as it is put to music; ask her to sing the 50 states in alphabetical order sometime! She has a cat who is definitely a lover, not a fighter, and who talks almost as much as she does. Sara had the opportunity to work for Disney, but on an island in South Carolina: Disney’s Hilton Head Island Resort. "No, I did not work at Walt Disney World, but it still counts as working for Disney. Yes, I lived on an island and moved back to Illinois. And yes, I remembered that it snows here and not there." This is Sara’s first performance since playing Rebecca Nurse in The Crucible in high school. She is excited to make this the first of many! When not on stage, Sara can be found planning weddings, as a Social Catering Manager at the Westin Lombard. She would like to thank her family & friends for supporting her on this journey back to the stage!

Kathleen Boyle (Citizen) has been teaching for 8 years. She believes teaching in many ways is like performing, and she tries to deliver all of her instruction with energy, passion, and heart. Her interests outside teaching include writing standup, playing Cards Against Humanity, contortion, 80's sitcoms, jogging, 1970's fashion, bad puns, fishing, ballet, records, Richard Nixon, and macrame. "You only get one life, dare to fail gloriously. Thanks to her husband who always reminds her that she can, and when she asks him if she should, he says, why not?

Abi Bradshaw (Superstar Dancer/Follower), a freshman in high school, is so excited to be a part of this production of Jesus Christ Superstar! She was most recently in Into The Woods as the Witch. Besides theatre, she enjoys teaching guitar, doing yoga, and going to Young Life. She would like the thank her parents and brother for all the support, and the whole cast and crew for this amazing opportunity!

Jay Cantrell (Follower) grew up in Wauwatosa, WI. His hobbies include scuba diving, electronics, writing apps, reading, historical research. If you were in doubt as to how interesting you are, compare yourself to Jay, who is a direct descendent of Miles Standish (the military advisor who travelled on the Mayflower and organized the defense of Plymouth Colony) and who also holds 12 patents. Jay has performed in Summer Place Theater shows including: Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat (Issachar), How to Succeed in Business (Mr Jenkins), Christmas Cabaret, Music of the Movies. Whiterock Community Theater: You're a Good Man Charlie Brown (Charlie Brown). "Thanks to my wife Gloria for all your support. Love to my family and much thanks to the cast, crew, and directors of this show."

Mary Carter (Soul Girl/Citizen) is a rising senior at MVHS and the current Category Leader of Dramatic Duet Acting for their Varsity Speech Team. Her recent credits include Ethel in Harvey, Kendra in 13, and Mimi in Rent. You can see her in July as Heather Chandler in Heathers the Musical at Center Stage Theater in Naperville. Enjoy the show!

Matt Colbert (Follower) is a Naperville teacher whose Summer Place Theatre credits include Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, Footloose, and Jekyll & Hyde. He was recently seen as George Banks in Magical Starlight Theatre's Mary Poppins earlier this year and looks forward to many more shows in the future.

Megan Conrad (Superstar Dancer/Follower) was born in Minnesota but now lives in Naperville, Illinois. She is in choir and works with special needs kids at her school. She works at the YMCA in the daycare center and hopes to work with children in her future. Currently, she is working on learning ASL, American Sign Language. She is so excited to be in this production and can't wait to perform.

Malini DiClemente (Citizen/Guard) is a native of Burr Ridge who lives in Naperville with her husband, Steven, and three boys, Aiden, Kai, and Noah. She enjoys yoga, running, hiking with her family, and DIY projects around the house. Malini met Slash from Guns and Roses when she was working behind the deli counter as a teenager on Halloween; she told him, "Great costume!" Malini is excited to be back on stage after taking time off to start a family. She would like to thank her husband, Steven, for all his support and encouragement for her to 'find her voice' again! She would also like to thank her beautiful boys, Aidan, Kai, and Noah, for teaching her to stay in the moment!

Cindi Goron (Follower) is a life long resident of Joliet. She spends her time attending the various activities of her three busy teenagers, creating holiday Tablescapes, and organizing unique parties. She is a member of the NFP group of "Witches Night Out." In the BC era (before children) Cindi travelled extensively. She has visited a monastery in Greece, landed on a glacier by helicopter, tent camped on the Serengeti, kayaked with killer whales, and went scuba diving on the Great Barrier Reef. Cindi is a Registered Nurse working in the OB department of Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox. She has been married to Dennis for 19 years and they have three talented teens, Kyle, Connor and Chloe. Being in JCS has deep meaning to Cindi as a Christian. She hopes to honor God in her performance and prays that it serves as a testimony to her faith and a ministry to others. John 3:16

Mariangela Guglielmo (Citizen/Guard) is excited to be in her fourth production with Summer Place Theatre. She hails from the small city of Homer Glen. Mariangela was previously seen on the Summer Place stage in last year's production of Camelot. This past year she has had the pleasure of being an extra for Chicago PD and Empire. Mariangela encourages you to come see this inspiring piece of theater.

Mark Hasselo (Follower) has been acting and performing for the last 6 years, appearing in You're A Good Man Charlie Brown, Cats, The Wiz, Grease, Bye Bye Birdie, and other Summer Place shows like How To Succeed In Business Without Really Trying, Oklahoma!, Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and Camelot. He plans on continuing his acting career and hopes to go into filmmaking. He also does web videos and online film reviews. "There are three things I love most, my accomplishments in life, movies, and the arts."

Brooke Kassal (Soul Girl/Citizen) of Lombard enjoys being with her friends, playing piano, and listening to music. She has sung in 9 languages! Singing and musicals are her passion. She has performed in Once Upon a Mattress, The Music Man, Beauty and the Beast, Hairspray (her dream role as Tracy Turnblad), Annie and Legally Blonde. She would like to thank her friends and family for all of their support.

Chris Knight (Priest/Follower) is excited to be performing in the ensemble cast for Jesus Christ Superstar at Summer Place Theatre. He is a life-long fan of JCS and performing in it on stage is on his bucket list. When not rehearsing, Chris works as an engineer designing electronic control systems. He also loves to cook and is a nationally certified beer judge. Chris lives in Lisle with his wife, Sandra, and daughter, Lucinda, and would like to thank them for their love and support during this production.

Ismael Leechuy (Priest/Scourger) Ish was involved with several musical productions as a member of a concert chorus and an a cappella group in college. A 40 year hiatus from music ensued when he started med school—until last fall when he joined the Naperville Chorus after his youngest went off to college. This is his first involvement with The Summer Place and he feels very privileged to be in the company of the very fun and very talented cast and crew. He is having the time of his life and wishes to thank everyone in the production for taking him in!

Markos Smith (Follower) is a young actor who is starting his first year of High School in the fall. Markos has had the pleasure of performing with Summer Place before, as this is his second show with them. Outside of theater, Markos enjoys singing, wrestling, and playing football.

Sharesa Uher Moffitt (Citizen) is thrilled to be joining SPT on stage again this summer as an ensemble member. Previous shows include: The Music Man, The Sound of Music, Spamalot (SPT), Hello Dolly, Once on this Island, Annie, Oliver, No No Nanette, Little Shop of Horrors, The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, and Seussical. When not performing, she can be found teaching private voice and piano. She resides in La Grange Park. Much thanks to the staff and performers at SPT for making this a memorable experience. Extended thank you's to her husband, friends and family who are so supportive of her stage life!

Our Director: Amanda Strolia

Amanda Strolia is a recent graduate of North Central College in Naperville, IL. She currently resides in Naperville, but grew up not far from her current neighborhood in Woodridge, IL. Amanda studied Musical Theatre in college with minors in Dance and Communications. She hopes to continue to work as a director/choreographer in the future and one day establish her own theater company. Amanda recently directed The Misanthrope with Gorilla Tango Theatre in Chicago this past fall.

This winter she will be co-directing Beauty and the Beast at a local middle school and directing The Wizard of Oz for young performers with the Fox Valley Park District. Other favorite credits include assistant directing Parade and Bye Bye Birdie at North Central College, and directing Annie and A Midsummer Night's Dream with Fox Valley Park District.

Our Production Staff

Emma Gingold - Producer, Music Director, Vocal Director

Emma performed in her first Summer Place production in 2004. Most recently she was the Vocal and Music Director for Camelot and has also played in the pit orchestra for 9 to 5 and Oklahoma. Emma graduated from Knox College in 2012 with a B.A. in English Literature and a minor in Music. She currently works as an accompanist for high school choirs, Solo and Ensemble festivals, and other musical theatre productions, and she teaches piano lessons in La Grange. Emma is a Director on the Summer Place Board.

John Vales - Technical Director, Scenic Designer

John first worked for Summer Place as the Stage Manager for Sweet Charity. He is currently working as a freelance technical director, and scenic/lighting designer and Technical Director at Glenbard East High School. When he is not working on shows he can be found attending theatre performances, going to concerts, writing, painting, spending time with friends and family. John is a Director on the Summer Place Board. From John: "My goal for 2016 is to make the opportunities to volunteer backstage more accessible to the community. I can't wait to start working with our awesome crew!"

Allison Scigalski - Stage Manager

Allison is thrilled to be involved in her first production for Summer Place. She just finished stage managing for Next to Normal with Fox Country Players. Typically, you can see Allison on the stage and enjoying the limelight. She as recently appeared in The Rocky Horror Show (Magenta), Hairspray (Matron/Gym Teacher/Ensemble) and Oliver (Strawberry Seller/Ensemble). Moving behind the scenes has been incredibly enjoyable and a completely new experience. She hopes to continue working behind the scenes and onstage for a long time to come. Allison lives in Aurora with her husband Adam and cat Beaker.

Colleen Accardo - Assistant Stage Manager

Colleen is currently pursuing her BFA in Stage Management at the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign. Recently at UIUC she has been on the stage management team for Kingdom City, 1984, and Studiodance I. Colleen has also worked with the Limelight Theatre Company on Legally Blonde: The Musical and she graduated from Oswego High School in 2015. Throughout her time there, Colleen was the stage manager for Mary Poppins, The Adventures in Candyland, Arsenic and Old Lace, Anything Goes, and You Can't Take It With You. She is very excited to work with Summer Place Theatre this summer!

Sarah Eaves - Costume Designer

Sarah Eaves has always had a heart for the preforming arts. She started acting on stage at age 2 and still shares the spotlight in her spare time. She is the costume director for Refuge Productions, Take 9 Productions, Smile for Nikki, and Family Christian Center, and has loved every bit of it. She has designed costumes for Jesus of Nazareth, Scrooge: The Musical, Choices, and Let Freedom Ring. Jesus Christ Superstar is her first production with The Summer Place Theatre and she is excited for this opportunity.

Aaron Cada - Sound Designer

Aaron lives in Batavia and has been doing sound operating and design in theater for 3 years now. Recently he did sound for Mary Poppins at Fox Valley Prisco center. His talents go beyond stage work; he recently finished sound design for a new indie film called Greg Loves a Human.

Jake Ganzer - Choreographer

Previous choreographic credits include Mary Poppins (The Drama Group), The Pajama Game (Genesius Guild),The Addams Family, Beauty and the Beast, Pippin, Thoroughly Modern Millie, as well as assisting on productions of Sweeney Todd, Next to Normal, and Into the Woods (Victor J. Andrew PAC). Performance credits include Applause, Side Show (Porchlight Music Theatre), Oklahoma!, The Photographer (Columbia College Chicago), West Side Story (The Drama Group), Cabaret (Brightside Theatre). Graduate of Columbia College Chicago and work study at Lou Conte Dance Studio. From Jake: "Thanks to my friends, teachers, and most importantly family for the support and love!"

Marissa Gil - Assistant Master Carpenter

Marissa is excited to be returning for her third year Scenic Designing and Painting for Summer Place Theater. Marissa graduated from Southern Illinois University in 2013 with her BFA in Theater Design and Technology. Currently she works as Technical Director at Glenbard South High School, as well as working as a freelance Scenic Designer and Painter in Chicago. Most recently she worked at Prisco Community Center where she Technical Directed, Designed and ran over 30 productions a year ranging from Dinner Theater, to Children’s Theater and Adult Improv. Marissa hopes to continue designing and painting and one day be able to design and paint for film and television. Favorite Credits include Designing and Building The Addams Family for Prisco Community Center two years ago and again last October for Glenbard South Highschool; as well as scenic painting The Heathers at Theater Wit in Chicago. She lives in Aurora.

Matthew R. Wolski - Lighting Designer

Matthew is a Freelance Lighting Designer and Electrician working in and around Chicago. Recently Matthew had the pleasure of serving as the Assistant Lighting Designer for Amal and the Night Visitors with Ash Lawn Opera in Charlottesville, Virginia, where he also served as the Assistant Master Electrician and Programmer for the 2015 Summer Season. This past fall he served as the Assistant Lighting Designer for Blood Brothers at Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre, and as the Associate Lighting Designer for Beauty and the Beast with Bravo! Performing Arts. Past design credits at North Central College include: Utopia Limited and the Grand Duke, October Mourning: A Song For Matthew Shepard, A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Evita, 4.48 Psychosis, Macbeth, and Jesus Christ Superstar.

David Martin - Assistant Technical Director

(bio coming soon)

Ricky Lopez - Master Carpenter

Ricky is excited to be returning for his second year for Summer Place Theater. Ricky is a student at Illinois State University to get his degree in Theater Design and production. Most recently he worked at Prisco Community Centers show Mary Poppins as well as Illinois states scene shop building sets. He is from Darien.

About Us

The Summer Place, Inc. is a 501-C3 not-for-profit organization and receives our funding through sales of affordably priced tickets, program ads, concessions, from a small number of grants and from the kind donations of our patrons.

Summer Place Theatre, as we're best-known, is all about Community. Our all volunteer board, crew and cast work hard together to produce entertaining plays and musicals for the Naperville area. We invite you to get involved!